Panasonic GH2 vs Panasonic ZS70: An Expert Photographer’s In-Depth Comparison

Choosing between cameras from different eras and categories is always an interesting challenge. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS70 (also known as TZ90) sit quite far apart in Panasonic’s lineup: the GH2 is an advanced mirrorless Micro Four Thirds system camera launched in 2011, while the ZS70 is a compact superzoom bridge camera unveiled in 2017. Yet, both offer compelling features for photography enthusiasts with different needs and budgets.

Having logged hundreds of hours behind both models, testing them across multiple photography genres, and dissecting their technical specifications alongside real-world results, I’m excited to walk you through how these two stack up. If you’re weighing legacy advanced mirrorless system versatility against modern zip-and-go compact convenience, this breakdown will give you a clear, experience-driven understanding.

Getting a Feel for Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

First impressions matter - and the physical handling of a camera often defines the photo experience more than pixel specs or video frills.

The GH2 sports a classic “SLR-style” mirrorless body, measuring 124x90x76 mm and weighing 442 grams (battery included). It sits comfortably in the hand, with a nice heft and a deep grip that instills confidence, especially when paired with Panasonic’s extensive Micro Four Thirds lenses. Controls are well spaced, and the design appeals to photographers accustomed to DSLR ergonomics.

In contrast, the ZS70 is a compact, pocketable powerhouse - just 112x67x41 mm and 322 grams. This makes it ideal for travel, street shooting, or when bulk is a concern. The smaller, slim body doesn’t afford the same grip comfort or manual control accessibility, but it is pleasantly light, and the tilting 3” touchscreen (more on that shortly) makes framing from odd angles easy on the move.

Ergonomically, the GH2 is a winner for deliberate shooting with precise manual control, while the ZS70 shines for spontaneous shooting requiring ultimate portability and zoom reach.

Control Layout and User Interface: Snapshots from Above

A camera’s top panel often dictates how fluidly you can shift settings on the fly.

The GH2 retains a more traditional control scheme with external dials for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation. There’s a physical mode dial too, letting serious users dial in priorities fast without diving deep into menus. The buttons feel tactile without being fussy.

ZS70’s top interface is toned down, reflecting its compact focus. It uses a mode dial and a top shutter button, but many options lean on the rear touchscreen and control wheel. While this keeps the design sleek, it can slow down manual exposure tweaks for those accustomed to dials - especially in action or complex lighting.

If quick manual control is a priority, especially in fast-changing environments, GH2’s thoughtful control layout wins out. But for casual or travel shooters, ZS70’s clean top panel won’t feel limiting.

The Sensor Battle: Size, Resolution, and Image Quality

Arguably the most impactful difference between these two cameras lies in sensor technology and size.

The GH2 features a Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, with 16 MP resolution. It utilizes a CMOS architecture with a standard anti-aliasing filter and a maximum native ISO of 12,800. This sensor size and pixel count combination delivers excellent image quality for its time, with solid dynamic range (~11.3 EV), strong color depth (21.2 bits), and low-light performance rated by DxOMark at ISO sensitivity usable up to 655 roughly. While not groundbreaking by today’s standards, it holds up well for portraits, landscapes, and more demanding genres.

The ZS70 opts for a much smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm) at 20 MP resolution. Although the megapixel count is higher, the sensor surface area is drastically smaller (~28 mm² vs. 225 mm²) - this physically limits its light-gathering capability. Maximum native ISO tops out at 3200 (with boosted 6400), making it more noise-prone in dim conditions. This type of sensor is typical in superzoom compacts, prioritizing range and size over base image quality.

Simply put, GH2’s larger sensor delivers cleaner, more flexible images with better noise control and color fidelity, which is critical in genres like portraiture and landscape where detail and tonal gradation reign supreme. The ZS70’s sensor excels for casual everyday shooting and extreme zoom versatility but can falter when pushed - especially in low light or large prints.

Assessing the Display and Viewfinder Options

How you see and compose your shot is crucial to photographic success.

Both cameras feature a 3-inch fully articulating/titling touchscreen LCD, but here the ZS70 takes a visible edge in resolution with 1040K dots versus the GH2’s 460K dots. This means the ZS70’s rear screen feels crisper and more vibrant for live view and playback, enhancing usability outdoors.

Both offer electronic viewfinders (EVFs), but the ZS70 uses a higher resolution 1166K-dot EVF, while the GH2’s EVF resolution is unspecified but generally acknowledged to be lower and somewhat coarser judging by my hands-on experience. The GH2’s viewfinder offers 0.71x magnification and full 100% coverage, compared to the ZS70’s smaller 0.46x magnification, although also 100% coverage. Hence, GH2 offers a larger, brighter framing window, favored by critical shooters in bright outdoor conditions.

In sum: The ZS70 has a sharper, more modern touchscreen and EVF for framing, especially useful in street and travel photography, while GH2’s EVF size and coverage slightly surpass in comfort and accuracy for deliberate compositions.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Intelligent Features

Autofocus can make or break your experience, especially when photographing moving subjects or tricky light.

The GH2 employs a contrast-detection autofocus system with 23 focus points and face detection. While this system predates phase detection AF, within its performance envelope it performs well for static scenes and moderately moving subjects but can struggle with rapid or erratic motion.

ZS70, despite its sensor limitations, packs a more modern autofocus system with 49 contrast-detection points, live view with touch AF, face detection, and selectable AF modes including continuous tracking. Additionally, this is one of the rare superzoom compacts offering focus bracketing, focus stacking, and post-focus features, areas where the GH2 has no standing.

In my tracking tests - for example, birds in flight or athletes in indoor courts - the ZS70’s higher AF points and modern processing yield quicker, more reliable focus tracking. However, for stationary subjects where manual focus precision is needed (macro, portrait), GH2’s more tactile focusing system and lens compatibility with manual focus rings make for fine-tuned control.

Lens Ecosystem: Flexibility vs Integrated Zoom

Here’s where the GH2 shines for system photographers.

It’s built on the Micro Four Thirds mount, which boasts an extensive ecosystem of over 100 lenses including primes, fast zooms, macro, specialty optics, and third-party options. This affords a huge creative latitude. Need silky portraits? Pull out a 42.5mm f/1.7. Want rugged wildlife reach? A 100-400mm zoom steps in. Landscape or architecture? Ultra wides abound.

On the other hand, the ZS70 is a fixed lens camera with a massive 30x zoom range of 24-720mm equivalent (F3.3-6.4 aperture). That’s exceptional for travel and everyday shooting, no lens swaps needed - but you trade off optical quality and maximum aperture for the sake of convenience. The lens’s minimum focusing distance of 3 cm is also competitive for macro-style close-ups in a zoom compact.

The choice is straightforward: GH2 suits those who want ultimate optical control and interchangeable lenses, while ZS70 is ideal if you value a do-it-all compact tool with long reach.

Burst Speed and Continuous Shooting Realities

Capturing action sequences depends largely on burst rates and buffer handling.

The GH2 offers a modest 3 fps continuous shooting speed with contrast AF. It's functional for casual sports or wildlife but won't keep up with fast-paced professional action photography.

In contrast, the ZS70 boasts 10 fps continuous shooting (with AF tracking), aided by its newer processor and smaller sensor. For a compact, this is impressive and makes freezing fleeting moments in street or wildlife scenes more achievable.

Still, processing speed and buffer capacity matter. The GH2, with UHS-I SD cards, can sustain its 3 fps over several frames, but the older processor leads to slower write times. The ZS70 handles bursts efficiently, but due to compressed JPEG dominance and smaller sensor data, it’s less about image quality endurance and more about immediacy.

Image Stabilization and Low Light Performance

GH2 lacks in-body image stabilization (IBIS) and relies on lens stabilization or steady hands. Being a 2011-era body, this is understandable but limits handheld low-light capabilities without fast lenses.

ZS70 features optical image stabilization built into its zoom lens, which noticeably aids handheld shooting at long focal lengths and moderate low-light. For casual users, this makes a huge difference in acceptably sharp low-light shots without a tripod.

Regarding native ISO range, GH2 runs 160-12800 with better noise control overall thanks to the larger sensor. The ZS70 maxes at 3200 native ISO, 6400 boosted, but noise rises considerably above ISO 800, so low light flexibility is restricted.

Video Modes: Capabilities and Usability

Both cameras offer Full HD video, but specifications and features diverge markedly.

GH2 records 1920x1080 at 24/30/60 fps, using AVCHD and Motion JPEG formats. It includes a microphone input (great for external mics) but no headphone jack and no 4K recording.

ZS70 takes a big leap to 4K UHD (3840x2160) at 30p, as well as Full HD at 60p and 30p, in MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats. However, it lacks a microphone or headphone port, limiting audio flexibility. The compact benefits from electronic shutter speeds up to 1/16000s, useful for controlling exposure in video or burst modes.

The presence of 4K Photo mode on ZS70 is a standout for modern users who want to extract high-res stills from video frames automatically - a feature unavailable on the GH2.

For serious videographers, GH2’s mic input is a boon if you prioritize external audio. For casual shooters craving resolution and ease, ZS70’s 4K option is compelling.

Battery Life and Storage

Another pragmatic concern: how long will the camera last shooting in the field?

GH2 offers approximately 330 shots per charge, fairly typical of mirrorless systems of its generation.

ZS70 pulls ahead slightly with a 380-shot rating, aided by its efficient processor and compact design.

Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in a single slot. These are affordable and widely available options, though as always, investing in fast UHS cards pays dividends for burst shooting and video.

Connectivity Features: Sharing and Tethering

Neither camera offers fully modern wireless connectivity. GH2 has no built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS.

ZS70 compensates with built-in Wi-Fi for remote control and file sharing, though it lacks Bluetooth or NFC, limiting seamless pairing.

If on-the-go connectivity and instant sharing are must-haves, ZS70 is the clear choice.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither model boasts environmental sealing, waterproofing, or freezeproofing. Both are best handled with care in unpleasant conditions or paired with protective housings for adventure photography.

Seeing Them in Action: Sample Images and Results

Seeing is believing. Here’s a gallery of shot comparisons across various genres illustrating how each camera interprets real scenes.

Panasonic GH2 front Panasonic GH2 screen back Panasonic ZS70 front

Notice GH2’s superior color depth and fine detail preservation, especially in portraits and landscapes. The ZS70 images appeal via sharpness at focal extremes and versatility, though noise and highlight management lag in low-light frames.

Overall Performance Scores from an Industry Perspective

Here's a comparative rating summary based on aggregate performance metrics and my personal testing:

The GH2 scores better for image quality and manual control, while the ZS70 earns credit for zoom flexibility, burst speed, and video enhancements.

Tailored Performance by Photography Genre

Let’s unpack how these cameras fare across different photographic disciplines:

• Portraits: GH2’s sensor and lens control win for skin tone rendition and natural bokeh. ZS70’s autofocus and convenience help casual portraits but can’t match depth of field quality.
• Landscapes: GH2’s dynamic range and resolution take the lead. ZS70 can handle travel landscapes when size matters most.
• Wildlife: ZS70’s zoom and AF speed offer some advantages, but sensor limits hinder low-light and cropping options.
• Sports: ZS70’s 10fps and continuous AF shine for casual sports; GH2 lags but offers superior image quality.
• Street: ZS70’s compact size and discreet operation are advantages; GH2’s bulk may intimidate but rewards with image fidelity.
• Macro: GH2’s interchangeable lenses offer more options; ZS70’s 3cm focus distance allows decent close-up shots.
• Night/Astro: GH2’s sensor outperforms with noise control and sensitivity; ZS70 struggles in very dark conditions.
• Video: ZS70 has the edge with 4K and high frame rate options; GH2’s audio input benefits professional recording.
• Travel: ZS70 epitomizes travel convenience with size, zoom, and connectivity; GH2 appeals to enthusiasts who prioritize creative control.
• Professional Workflow: GH2 supports raw workflows and manual exposure controls extensively; ZS70’s fixed lens and smaller sensor may be limiting.

Who Should Choose Which Camera?

After this detailed examination, the choice depends heavily on your specific needs and priorities.

• If you are an enthusiast or professional photographer seeking a versatile interchangeable lens system with robust image quality, manual controls, and a classic shooting experience - the Panasonic GH2 remains a strong contender despite its age. Its Micro Four Thirds sensor and lens ecosystem allow creative expression across nearly all genres, especially portraits, landscapes, and professional work.

• Conversely, if portability, convenience, zoom reach, and video capabilities like 4K are paramount - with the bonus of a modern touchscreen and Wi-Fi - then the Panasonic ZS70 is a compelling compact superzoom option. It’s excellent for travel, street photography, casual wildlife, and everyday snapshots where lugging gear is impractical.

• On a budget, the ZS70 offers much of what a casual shooter desires at a lower price, while the GH2 may appeal to those willing to invest in lenses and accessories for a more dedicated photographic approach.

Final Thoughts: Experience-Driven Insights

Years into my camera testing journey, I find that the “best” camera is always the one that best fits your actual shooting habits and needs rather than pure specification charts.

The GH2, while now over a decade old, still excels in delivering images with depth, color, and resolution that many early mirrorless cameras struggle to match today. It thrives where creative manual control is key.

The ZS70 represents an evolution in compact camera technology - packing versatile zoom, crisp 4K video, and smart autofocus functions into a pocketable body. Its technical compromises are well balanced by convenience and modern usability.

If you have a chance, try handling both, considering your genre focus. And don’t forget to factor in lenses (GH2) or the power of the zoom lens (ZS70). Both cameras carry Panasonic’s heritage for image quality and optics but approach photography from distinct angles.

I hope this thorough comparison helps you make an informed decision - and inspires you to capture beautiful moments, whichever gear you choose.

Happy shooting!